The gym offers somewhere to escape the stresses of normal life and instead focus entirely on our bodies. Traditionally, gym designs have fulfilled this requirement using sleek design focuses and integrations like in-ceiling speaker setups. Now, though, as physical wellness becomes a standardized priority, gym-building design looks set to shift in some pretty notable ways.
The majority of these shifts are dictated by certain changes in how, when, and why we use our gyms. In this article, we’ll consider which of these trends has got gym building design in a strong hold right now, and what that means for the design trends to watch in our gyms moving forward.
# 1 – Accessibility through architecture
Far from gyms located in brick-and-mortar leisure centers that require membership, gym usage is now branching out to include everything from units on industrial estates, to shopping areas, and much more.
Gym design in general is keeping up with this trend by adapting to larger units, which may include unused brick-and-mortar stores, or steel commercial buildings that are easy to set up in any spot imaginable. Within these spaces, gym design should incorporate high ceilings, one-room setups, and the introduction of gym technology in buildings that may require self-access, and night-time usage.
# 2 – Prioritizing Pod Training
While the introduction of gyms into larger spaces means these facilities must typically fit in one room, a rising trend in pod training means designers also need to carefully split that space. Pod training refers to the use of small pods where it’s possible to complete entire workout sessions using in-pod equipment.
From a design standpoint, prioritizing pod training means making the most of the space available, and integrating select storage racks in areas that provide privacy, and serve purposes that may include Zumba or weight lifting.
# 3 – All-Weather Outdoor Training
An increasing shift towards all-weather outdoor training means that outdoor spaces should be an increasing focus in gym design. In particular, designers should prioritize large, expansive shelters in outdoor spaces that can receive more regular use as a result.
Outdoor spaces at large should be designed with multiple functions in mind. This includes tennis courts, general workout areas, running tracks, and more.
# 4 – Making Space for Recovery
Gym design has always focused on workouts, but there’s an increasing call for these spaces to also facilitate the recovery process. This means gym designs also require dedicated wellness and recovery areas, either in the main space or within a separate area.
Design options that fulfill this need may include quiet areas, infrared saunas, and even space for therapies like ice baths. These wellness areas should also feel like an intuitive add-on to the larger gym space, ensuring that users stick around, instead of heading straight out the door after a workout.
Takeaway
Many of us are changing how we work out, and gym design is inevitably set to follow. These trends and many like them are sure to become standardized in the coming years.
(Disclaimer: This content is a partnered post. This material is provided as news and general information. It should not be construed as an endorsement of any investment service. The opinions expressed are the personal views and experience of the author, and no recommendation is made.)
